Chad | The Guardianhttps://www.theguardian.com/world/chad
Latest news and features from theguardian.com, the world's leading liberal voiceen-gbGuardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. 2017Tue, 26 Sep 2017 23:06:02 GMT2017-09-26T23:06:02Zen-gbGuardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. 2017The Guardianhttps://assets.guim.co.uk/images/guardian-logo-rss.c45beb1bafa34b347ac333af2e6fe23f.pnghttps://www.theguardian.com
Somalia, Libya ... and Chad? The surprising country on Trump’s travel ban listhttps://www.theguardian.com/world/shortcuts/2017/sep/26/somalia-libya-and-chad-the-surprising-country-on-trumps-travel-ban-list
<p>The central African country’s inclusion on the revised list, which prevents almost all travel for its citizens to the US, has been causing confusion</p><p>It is fair to say that one of the more infrequently asked geopolitical questions of recent decades has been: “Why Chad?” The large, poor African country has rarely played even a marginal role in international power politics. <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2017/09/24/enhancing-vetting-capabilities-and-processes-detecting-attempted-entry" title="">Its inclusion on a newly revised list of eight countries whose citizens are subjected</a> to an indefinite ban on almost <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2017/sep/25/trump-travel-ban-extended-to-blocks-on-north-korea-and-venezuela" title="">all travel to the US has led to some&nbsp;bewilderment</a>. ​</p><p>The addition of other states on to Donald Trump’s list, which will come into effect on 18 October, appear more easily explained. Trump has been trading threats and insults for weeks <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/sep/08/in-the-court-of-kim-jong-un-ruthless-bellicose-despot-not-mad" title="">with North Korea’s Kim Jong-un</a>, while the US president told the UN last week that Venezuela was a “<a href="https://www.vox.com/policy-and-politics/2017/9/19/16333290/trump-full-speech-transcript-un-general-assembly" title="">socialist dictatorship</a>”. Sudan has disappeared from the list, while Iraq has apparently been deemed a&nbsp;problem that can be dealt with in other ways. Somalia, Libya, Syria, Yemen and Iran were on the original list and remain on the new one.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/shortcuts/2017/sep/26/somalia-libya-and-chad-the-surprising-country-on-trumps-travel-ban-list">Continue reading...</a>ChadTrump travel banDonald TrumpUS newsAfricaWorld newsTue, 26 Sep 2017 14:57:56 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/world/shortcuts/2017/sep/26/somalia-libya-and-chad-the-surprising-country-on-trumps-travel-ban-listPhotograph: Alamy Stock PhotoPhotograph: Alamy Stock PhotoJason Burke2017-09-26T14:57:56ZQueuing all day for a three-minute call: reuniting families torn apart by Boko Haram | Ruth Macleanhttps://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2017/sep/26/where-are-my-sons-boko-haram-call-reunite-families-fractured-lake-chad
<p>For Nigerians displaced from Lake Chad by the Islamist insurgents, a weekly conversation on a borrowed phone is the best chance of finding missing relatives</p><p>Hawa Adamu Bello yells excitedly into the basic mobile phone that has just been handed to her. She is through to her sister-in-law. The women haven’t seen each other since Boko Haram militants attacked their town on the Nigerian shores of Lake Chad more than two years ago.<br></p><p>“<em>Alhamdulillah</em>. <em>Alhamdulillah</em>,” she says, giving the Muslim answer to all the questions about how she is, how things are, how her husband is, as quickly as possible, balancing the need for speed with the risk of being unforgivably rude.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2017/sep/26/where-are-my-sons-boko-haram-call-reunite-families-fractured-lake-chad">Continue reading...</a>Conflict and developmentGlobal developmentBoko HaramChadAfricaWorld newsNigeriaTue, 26 Sep 2017 06:00:35 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2017/sep/26/where-are-my-sons-boko-haram-call-reunite-families-fractured-lake-chadPhotograph: Lorenzo Meloni/Magnum PhotosPhotograph: Lorenzo Meloni/Magnum PhotosRuth Maclean in Baga Sola2017-09-26T06:00:35ZAid alone won't stop refugees fleeing to Europe's shores from the Sahel | Tony Blairhttps://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2017/sep/18/aid-alone-wont-stop-refugees-fleeing-to-europe-shores-from-the-sahel-africa-tony-blair
<p>An international alliance must create a plan for the fragile African states of the Sahel to prevent catastrophe in a region already buckling under the strain</p><p>Refugees fleeing conflict have already sent shockwaves ‎through the political systems of Europe. But unless we take urgent action now and help the countries of the Sahel, we will face the prospect of millions more refugees in the time to come. </p><p>A coordinated and comprehensive plan to partner these nations and help them to avoid catastrophe is essential for them and for us. It should be devised by an alliance between Europe, the US and Arab allies in the Gulf.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2017/jun/16/lake-chad-crisis-one-meal-a-day-pictures">One meal a day: the Lake Chad crisis in pictures</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2017/sep/18/aid-alone-wont-stop-refugees-fleeing-to-europe-shores-from-the-sahel-africa-tony-blair">Continue reading...</a>Conflict and developmentMigration and developmentGovernanceAfricaSahelRefugeesMauritaniaMaliChadBurkina FasoNigerBoko HaramAidFood securityClimate changeGlobal developmentMon, 18 Sep 2017 13:03:34 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2017/sep/18/aid-alone-wont-stop-refugees-fleeing-to-europe-shores-from-the-sahel-africa-tony-blairPhotograph: Chris McGrath/Getty ImagesPhotograph: Chris McGrath/Getty ImagesTony Blair2017-09-18T13:03:34ZThird of Earth's soil is acutely degraded due to agriculturehttps://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/sep/12/third-of-earths-soil-acutely-degraded-due-to-agriculture-study
<p>Fertile soil is being lost at rate of 24bn tonnes a year through intensive farming as demand for food increases, says UN-backed study</p><p>A third of the planet’s land is severely degraded and fertile soil is being lost at the rate of 24bn tonnes a year, according to a new United Nations-backed study that calls for a shift away from destructively intensive agriculture.</p><p> The alarming decline, which is forecast to continue as demand for food and productive land increases, will add to the risks of conflicts such as those seen in <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2016/dec/19/sudan-faremers-battle-climate-change-hunger-desertification">Sudan</a> and Chad unless remedial actions are implemented, warns the institution behind the report.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/may/16/meat-eaters-soil-degradation-over-grazing">Why meat eaters should think much more about soil | John Sauven</a> </p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2016/dec/19/sudan-faremers-battle-climate-change-hunger-desertification">Sudan's farmers work to save good soils as climate change brings desert closer | Hannah McNeish</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/sep/12/third-of-earths-soil-acutely-degraded-due-to-agriculture-study">Continue reading...</a>SoilAgricultureFarmingUnited NationsSudanChadAfricaEnvironmentMiddle East and North AfricaTue, 12 Sep 2017 17:18:23 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/sep/12/third-of-earths-soil-acutely-degraded-due-to-agriculture-studyPhotograph: Carey Marks/Plymouth UniversityPhotograph: Carey Marks/Plymouth UniversityJonathan Watts2017-09-12T17:18:23ZA Season in France review – the loves and losses of two Africans in Europehttps://www.theguardian.com/film/2017/sep/11/a-season-in-france-review-mahamat-saleh-haroun
<p>Chadian director Mahamat Saleh Haroun portrays the pride and pain of the refugee experience with compassion and a sharp edge</p><p>The habitual calm and gentleness of Mahamat Saleh Haroun’s film-making here has a sharp edge and an overtly political point – as well as a flourish of violent destruction and despair that blindsided me. This Chadian director, who lives in France, brings the African experience to Europe in a deeply felt, compassionate film about refugees who find that one of their bitterest abasements is the loss of dignity and status. </p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/feb/25/mahamat-saleh-haroun-chad-film">Mahamat Saleh Haroun brings Chad to the world, and vice versa, through film</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/film/2017/sep/11/a-season-in-france-review-mahamat-saleh-haroun">Continue reading...</a>Toronto film festival 2017FilmToronto film festivalFestivalsCultureWorld cinemaChadAfricaWorld newsMon, 11 Sep 2017 15:32:42 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/film/2017/sep/11/a-season-in-france-review-mahamat-saleh-harounPhotograph: PRPhotograph: PRPeter Bradshaw2017-09-11T15:32:42ZAfrican and European leaders agree action plan on migration crisishttps://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/aug/28/emmanuel-macron-hosts-summit-to-tackle-migration-crisis
<p>Leaders of seven nations seek to combat people-smugglers turning Mediterranean into ‘cemetery’</p><p>Seven African and European leaders have met in Paris to try to build a new relationship aimed at cutting migration into Europe from northern Africa in return for aid.</p><p>On Monday, the leaders of France, Germany, Italy and Spain agreed to help Chad and Niger with border control to stem the flow of migrants through Libya and across the Mediterranean.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/aug/28/macron-liberal-hero-europe-populist-france">Macron will never be Europe’s saviour if he keeps playing to the populists</a> </p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/aug/28/italian-pm-holds-talks-on-migration-after-mass-protest-over-rome-eviction">Italian PM holds talks on migration after mass protest over Rome eviction</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/aug/28/emmanuel-macron-hosts-summit-to-tackle-migration-crisis">Continue reading...</a>MigrationFranceItalySpainEuropeWorld newsRefugeesLibyaEuropean UnionAfricaMiddle East and North AfricaChadNigerMon, 28 Aug 2017 19:24:26 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/aug/28/emmanuel-macron-hosts-summit-to-tackle-migration-crisisPhotograph: Christophe Morin/IP3/Getty ImagesPhotograph: Christophe Morin/IP3/Getty ImagesPatrick Wintour and Kim Willsher in Paris2017-08-28T19:24:26ZOne meal a day: the Lake Chad crisis in pictureshttps://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2017/jun/16/lake-chad-crisis-one-meal-a-day-pictures
<p>The extreme north of Cameroon is suffering a food shortage exacerbated by climate change and conflict with Boko Haram. Fighting has spread across the borders from Nigeria into the countries of the Lake Chad region creating a refugee and famine crisis. It was once a tourist destination, but now people fleeing violence are housed in unnamed camps where they are lucky to get a meal each day</p><ul><li>An exhibition of Chris’s work is at <a href="http://www.stmartin-in-the-fields.org/visiting/art-and-exhibitions/">St Martin in the Fields</a><br></li></ul><p><strong>Ramata Modou, 58, holds a photograph of herself. Ramata is c</strong><strong>ommunity leader at an <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/dec/31/far-from-home-60-million-people-displaced-un-war-climate-change-terrorism">internal displacement </a>camp for women and children in Mémé</strong> </p><p>When armed men entered Ramata’s village her husband suffered a heart attack and died. Her 17-year-old daughter was kidnapped, her three-month-old daughter strapped to her back. When she first fled to Mémé she slept under trees for two months with her six children.</p><p>Whenever you speak to people, they talk about food. I have seen a lot of children suffering from malnutrition</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2017/jun/16/lake-chad-crisis-one-meal-a-day-pictures">Continue reading...</a>Global developmentAfricaChadNigeriaBoko HaramWorld newsFri, 16 Jun 2017 14:27:11 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2017/jun/16/lake-chad-crisis-one-meal-a-day-picturesPhotograph: Chris de Bode/Panos Pictures/British Red CrossPhotograph: Chris de Bode/Panos Pictures/British Red CrossChris de Bode/Panos Pictures/British Red Cross2017-06-16T14:27:11ZHissène Habré’s rape acquittal must not be quietly airbrushed from history | Kim Thuy Seelingerhttps://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2017/may/10/hissene-habre-acquittal-not-airbrushed-from-history-khadidja-zidane-kim-thuy-seelinger
<p>Though ruled out on procedural grounds, Khadidja Zidane’s testimony against the former Chad president highlights some uncomfortable truths about attitudes towards survivors of sexual violence</p><p>Almost a year ago, I sat in the <a href="http://www.chambresafricaines.org/index.php">extraordinary African chambers</a> of the courts of Senegal and watched as Hissène Habré, the former president of Chad, was <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/may/30/chad-hissene-habre-guilty-crimes-against-humanity-senegal">convicted of multiple war crimes</a>, crimes against humanity and acts of torture.</p><p>The judgment was hailed as a victory for international criminal justice. It was the first time a national court had used principles of universal jurisdiction to prosecute a former head of state for crimes of this nature.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2016/sep/18/hissene-habre-chad-dictator-couragous-rape-survivors-make-history">'I told my story face to face with Habré': courageous rape survivors make history | Ruth Maclean</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2017/may/10/hissene-habre-acquittal-not-airbrushed-from-history-khadidja-zidane-kim-thuy-seelinger">Continue reading...</a>Global developmentSexual violenceChadAfricaWorld newsGovernanceWed, 10 May 2017 11:52:46 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2017/may/10/hissene-habre-acquittal-not-airbrushed-from-history-khadidja-zidane-kim-thuy-seelingerPhotograph: Ruth MacleanPhotograph: Ruth MacleanKim Thuy Seelinger2017-05-10T11:52:46ZEx-Chad dictator's conviction for crimes against humanity upheld by Dakar courthttps://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/apr/27/conviction-chad-hissene-habre-crimes-against-humanity-upheld
<p>Judge in Senegal acquits Hissène Habré of a rape charge but upholds other charges including torture and murder</p><p>An African court has rejected Hissène Habré’s appeal against his <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/may/30/chad-hissene-habre-guilty-crimes-against-humanity-senegal">conviction for crimes against humanity</a>, which followed a decades-long fight for justice for his victims.</p><p>The former president of Chad was acquitted of a rape charge, but all the other charges against him – including torture and murder – were upheld.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/jan/09/chad-dictator-hissene-habre-appeals-against-war-crimes-contviction">Chad dictator Hissène Habré appeals against war crimes conviction</a> </p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2016/sep/18/hissene-habre-chad-dictator-couragous-rape-survivors-make-history">'I told my story face to face with Habré': courageous rape survivors make history | Ruth Maclean</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/apr/27/conviction-chad-hissene-habre-crimes-against-humanity-upheld">Continue reading...</a>ChadSenegalAfricaWorld newsAfrican UnionThu, 27 Apr 2017 16:53:40 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/apr/27/conviction-chad-hissene-habre-crimes-against-humanity-upheldPhotograph: Joel Robine/AFP/Getty ImagesPhotograph: Joel Robine/AFP/Getty ImagesRuth Maclean in Dakar2017-04-27T16:53:40ZHow Nigerians took Boko Haram’s victims to their heartshttps://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/feb/26/nigerians-boko-haram-welcome-refugees
People have opened their homes and land to refugees<p>The rise of the Islamist militant group Boko Haram has forced more than 2.6 million people to flee from their homes across Nigeria, Cameroon and Chad, more than half of them children. Many survivors have endured horrific violence, including sexual assault.</p><p>But there has been humanity amid the horror, as nearby communities welcomed many of the refugees. Hauwa Ari is one of the Nigerians who has made huge sacrifices to help families escaping from the terror, turning land and houses she used to rent into an informal camp.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/feb/26/nigerians-boko-haram-welcome-refugees">Continue reading...</a>Boko HaramRefugeesNigeriaCameroonChadWorld newsSun, 26 Feb 2017 00:05:15 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/feb/26/nigerians-boko-haram-welcome-refugeesPhotograph: Julia Burpee/IOMPhotograph: Julia Burpee/IOMEmma Graham-Harrison2017-02-26T00:05:15ZThere are reasons to be cheerful ... LGBTI rights gains in unlikely countries | Peter Tatchellhttps://www.theguardian.com/global-development-professionals-network/2017/feb/20/lgbti-rights-gains-unlikely-countries
<p>Iraq, Tunisia and Lebanon have recently made progressive steps forward in lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex human rights</p><p>In the last 12 months, Martin Luther King’s “arc of the moral universe” has bent towards lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) human rights.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development-professionals-network/live/2017/feb/15/live-chat-with-peter-tatchell-what-can-we-do-to-support-lgbti-rights-around-the-world">Live chat with Peter Tatchell: what can we do to support LGBTI rights around the world? Mon 20 Feb, 2-3.30pm</a> </p><p>Homosexuality remains criminalised in 36 out of the 52 Commonwealth member states</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development-professionals-network/2016/feb/08/global-outlook-lgbti-rights">Where are we now? The global outlook for LGBTI rights</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development-professionals-network/2017/feb/20/lgbti-rights-gains-unlikely-countries">Continue reading...</a>Global development professionals networkLGBT rightsWorld newsUnited NationsInequalityHuman rightsCommonwealth summitLawSocietyIraqTunisiaBotswanaMaltaTransgenderPakistanBoliviaVietnamPhilippinesLebanonMalaysiaChileChadGuatemalaTaiwanColombiaBosnia-HerzegovinaSloveniaGreeceIndiaSeychellesBelizeNauruSouth and Central AsiaMiddle East and North AfricaEuropeAsia PacificAmericasAfricaMon, 20 Feb 2017 10:05:59 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/global-development-professionals-network/2017/feb/20/lgbti-rights-gains-unlikely-countriesPhotograph: Raul Arboleda/AFP/Getty ImagesPhotograph: Raul Arboleda/AFP/Getty ImagesPeter Tatchell2017-02-20T10:05:59ZGroup of 'extinct' antelope released into wild in southern Saharahttps://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/feb/14/extinct-antelope-scimitar-horned-oryx-released-sahara-chad
<p>Conservationists hope second group of 14 scimitar-horned oryx bred in captivity will help repopulate original habitat in Chad</p><p>A group of scimitar-horned oryx, an antelope declared extinct in the wild, have been reintroduced to their original home on the edge of the Sahara desert.</p><p>Fourteen captive-bred animals were released in a remote area of Chad and joined a first group reintroduced in August 2016, conservationists from the <a href="https://www.zsl.org/">Zoological Society of London (ZSL)</a> said. </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/feb/14/extinct-antelope-scimitar-horned-oryx-released-sahara-chad">Continue reading...</a>ConservationAnimalsZoosChadDesertsEnvironmentWorld newsAfricaTue, 14 Feb 2017 16:59:13 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/feb/14/extinct-antelope-scimitar-horned-oryx-released-sahara-chadPhotograph: Zoological Society of London/PAPhotograph: Zoological Society of London/PAPress Association2017-02-14T16:59:13ZEurope ignores Nigeria humanitarian crisis at its peril, warns top UN officialhttps://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2017/jan/31/europe-ignores-nigeria-humanitarian-crisis-at-its-peril-warns-top-un-official-toby-lanzer-lake-chad
<p>UN assistant secretary general Toby Lanzer says urgent aid to help stabilise communities in the Lake Chad region is also in Europe’s broader interests </p><p>The humanitarian crisis in northern Nigeria has implications that Europe can ill afford to ignore, according to a top UN official. Nigeria was the third largest source of <a href="http://migration.iom.int/docs/MMP/170127_Mediterranean_Update.pdf">migrants crossing the Mediterranean in 2016</a> (pdf). </p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2017/jan/19/boko-haram-legacy-fear-ruin-delays-return-displaced-nigerians">Boko Haram’s legacy of fear and ruin delays return of displaced Nigerians</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2017/jan/31/europe-ignores-nigeria-humanitarian-crisis-at-its-peril-warns-top-un-official-toby-lanzer-lake-chad">Continue reading...</a>Humanitarian responseMigration and developmentConflict and developmentGlobal developmentRefugeesNigeriaChadCameroonNigerEuropeUK newsUnited NationsWorld newsAfricaTue, 31 Jan 2017 12:15:17 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2017/jan/31/europe-ignores-nigeria-humanitarian-crisis-at-its-peril-warns-top-un-official-toby-lanzer-lake-chadPhotograph: Andrew Harnik/APPhotograph: Andrew Harnik/APBen Quinn2017-01-31T12:15:17ZChad foreign minister Moussa Faki Mahamat to head African Unionhttps://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2017/jan/30/chad-foreign-minister-moussa-faki-mahamat-african-union-head
<p>Outgoing AU chief Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma speaks out against US travel ban on refugees from Somalia, Libya and Sudan as she is succeeded by Moussa Faki</p><p>Chad’s foreign minister has been elected as the new chair of the African Union Commission, pledging to place development and security at the top of his agenda and streamline the organisation’s bureaucracy.</p><p>Moussa Faki Mahamat – a former prime minister who has been at the forefront of the fight against Islamist militants in Nigeria, Mali and the Sahel – was chosen by the 54-member body at a summit that has exposed splits over Africa’s relationship with the international criminal court and Morocco’s readmission to the union.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/gallery/2016/aug/04/surviving-on-wild-seeds-after-failed-harvests-in-chad-in-pictures">Surviving on wild seeds after failed harvests in Chad –&nbsp;in pictures</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2017/jan/30/chad-foreign-minister-moussa-faki-mahamat-african-union-head">Continue reading...</a>Global developmentGovernanceAfrican UnionWorld newsConflict and developmentAfricaChadMon, 30 Jan 2017 17:21:23 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2017/jan/30/chad-foreign-minister-moussa-faki-mahamat-african-union-headPhotograph: Farouk Batiche/AFP/Getty ImagesPhotograph: Farouk Batiche/AFP/Getty ImagesBen Quinn and agencies2017-01-30T17:21:23ZChad dictator Hissène Habré appeals against war crimes convictionhttps://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/jan/09/chad-dictator-hissene-habre-appeals-against-war-crimes-contviction
<p>Former president’s lawyers claim trial last year contained irregularities and question credibility of some witnesses</p><p>Lawyers for the former Chad president Hissène Habré have launched an appeal against his conviction last year for war crimes and crimes against humanity.</p><p>Habré created a police state that terrorised civilians in the 1980s. A special court set up by the African Union and Senegal to try him <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/may/30/chad-hissene-habre-guilty-crimes-against-humanity-senegal">convicted him last May of summary execution, torture and rape</a>.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/jan/09/chad-dictator-hissene-habre-appeals-against-war-crimes-contviction">Continue reading...</a>ChadAfricaWorld newsWar crimesLawAfrican UnionSenegalGovernanceGlobal developmentMon, 09 Jan 2017 14:58:27 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/jan/09/chad-dictator-hissene-habre-appeals-against-war-crimes-contvictionPhotograph: Dominique Faget/AFP/Getty ImagesPhotograph: Dominique Faget/AFP/Getty ImagesRuth Maclean West Africa correspondent2017-01-09T14:58:27ZThe lakes of the world are disappearing – in pictureshttps://www.theguardian.com/global-development-professionals-network/gallery/2016/dec/09/the-lakes-of-the-world-are-disappearing-in-pictures
<p>Climate change and human activity are threatening the existence of some of the world’s largest lakes. These photographs document dramatic changes to the landscape in Bolivia, the Middle East, China and west Africa</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development-professionals-network/gallery/2016/dec/09/the-lakes-of-the-world-are-disappearing-in-pictures">Continue reading...</a>Global development professionals networkAccess to waterConservationRiversWaterClimate changeChadMongoliaChinaKazakhstanUzbekistanJordanIsraelBoliviaAfricaAmericasMiddle East and North AfricaFri, 09 Dec 2016 10:16:57 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/global-development-professionals-network/gallery/2016/dec/09/the-lakes-of-the-world-are-disappearing-in-picturesPhotograph: HO/AFP/Getty ImagesPhotograph: HO/AFP/Getty ImagesKatherine Purvis and Catalin Trif2016-12-09T10:16:57ZWill Donald Trump's victory empower Africa's strongmen?https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/nov/23/donald-trump-is-a-gift-to-africa-dictators-opposition-groups-fear
<p>Rulers of the DRC, Burundi, Zimbabwe and others say tide has turned after Obama’s efforts to promote democracy abroad</p><p>As the sun rose over Kinshasa on 9 November, Martin Fayulu was awoken by a phone call from a relative in the US telling him to switch on his television – Donald Trump appeared set to become the next US president.</p><p>Fayulu, an opposition politician at the forefront of recent protests calling for elections to be held on time in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, immediately switched on a French channel. </p><p>Trump’s victory may allow more autocratic African rulers to tweak constitutions to retain power and harass dissidents</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/nov/10/liberia-president-ellen-johnson-sirleaf-hillary-clinton-defeat-donald-trump-women-rights-equality">Africa leads outcry over setback for feminism after Trump victory</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/nov/23/donald-trump-is-a-gift-to-africa-dictators-opposition-groups-fear">Continue reading...</a>AfricaDonald TrumpWorld newsDemocratic Republic of the CongoZimbabweChadBurundiRwandaUS newsWed, 23 Nov 2016 07:00:58 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/nov/23/donald-trump-is-a-gift-to-africa-dictators-opposition-groups-fearPhotograph: Junior D. Kannah/AFP/Getty ImagesPhotograph: Junior D. Kannah/AFP/Getty ImagesJason Burke in Johannesburg and Ruth Maclean in Dakar2016-11-23T07:00:58ZThe White Knights review – a shrewd look at the refugee crisishttps://www.theguardian.com/film/2016/nov/03/the-white-knights-review-joachim-lafosse-vincent-lindon
<p>Based on the real-life Zoe’s Ark controversy, Joachim Lafosse’s bitter drama is about an NGO in Chad that crosses the line between do-gooding and kidnapping</p><p>There’s an all-too-resonant scene in Joachim Lafosse’s bitter drama in which children have their age verified by their teeth – though the drama focuses on westerners who actually want to welcome refugees. A bit too much, in fact: in a story based on the real-life 2007 <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2007/oct/29/spain.france">Zoe’s Ark controversy</a>, Vincent Lindon leads an NGO in Chad that masquerades as an orphanage but plans to abscond with the kids back to adoptive families in France. The organisation lets neither the fractious Saharan security situation, or the local chiefs’ pragmatic propensity for fibbing about the ages and parentage of kids they wish to offload, get in the way of its unwavering and mostly selfish idealism. </p><p>It’s a diagnosis of geopolitical power relations nearly as effective as the 2012 Somali pirate thriller <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/film/2013/may/09/a-hijacking-review">A Hijacking</a>. Lafosse damns his do-gooders in a disciplined set of medium-shot dustscapes and murky Conradian interiors, rarely allowing anyone – even the pugnacious, impatient Lindon – to plead their case in closeup. A slanted but shrewd look at another side of today’s refugee crisis.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/film/2016/nov/03/the-white-knights-review-joachim-lafosse-vincent-lindon">Continue reading...</a>DramaFilmCultureChadAfricaRefugeesThu, 03 Nov 2016 22:00:00 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/film/2016/nov/03/the-white-knights-review-joachim-lafosse-vincent-lindonPhotograph: Fabrizio Maltese/film company handoutPhotograph: Fabrizio Maltese/film company handoutPhil Hoad2016-11-03T22:00:00Z'I told my story face to face with Habré': courageous rape survivors make history | Ruth Macleanhttps://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2016/sep/18/hissene-habre-chad-dictator-couragous-rape-survivors-make-history
<p>Survivor testimony was central to the landmark conviction of Chad dictator Hissène Habré, who in May received a life sentence for mass atrocities. Here, women raped under his regime tell their stories for the first time <br></p><p>At night, Chad’s dictator would sit at his desk, smoking and watching as his agents tortured Khadidja Zidane. Hissène Habré did not know Zidane, an illiterate, poor woman. When he had had enough of watching, he would send her away, then have her brought back in the early hours of the morning to rape her.</p><p>For three decades, Zidane told no one. For the raped, tortured and starved women lucky enough to get out of Habré’s secret jails alive, the guards had a very effective way of ensuring their silence: they threatened to bring them back.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/may/31/the-guardian-view-on-the-conviction-of-hissene-habre-africa-points-the-way">The Guardian view on the conviction of Hissène Habré: Africa points the way | Editorial</a> </p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2016/jun/03/hissene-habre-crimes-against-humanity-chad-justice">Hissène Habré's conviction the first step on a longer road to justice for Chad | Kolbassia Haoussou</a> </p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2016/jul/29/hissene-habre-compensation-90m-crimes-against-humanity-chad">Hissène Habré ordered to pay millions for crimes against humanity in Chad</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2016/sep/18/hissene-habre-chad-dictator-couragous-rape-survivors-make-history">Continue reading...</a>Global developmentChadSexual violenceAfricaWorld newsRape and sexual assaultLawEnding sexual violence in conflictSun, 18 Sep 2016 08:00:12 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2016/sep/18/hissene-habre-chad-dictator-couragous-rape-survivors-make-historyPhotograph: Rebecca Blackwell/APPhotograph: Rebecca Blackwell/APRuth Maclean in N'Djamena2016-09-18T08:00:12ZChad's president set to mediate in disputed Gabon electionhttps://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/sep/06/chads-president-set-to-mediate-in-disputed-gabon-election
<p>Idriss Déby, who is accused of rigging elections in his own country, set to head delegation trying to resolve Gabon crisis </p><p>An African strongman accused of rigging elections in his own country is preparing to mediate between the two sides contesting the result of <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/aug/31/gabon-election-results-disputed-incumbent-ali-bongo-victor-jean-ping">last week’s poll in Gabon</a>.</p><p>Chad’s president, Idriss Déby, who has ruled his country for 26 years, is expected to lead an African Union delegation that is preparing to go to Libreville to try to resolve the crisis.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/sep/06/chads-president-set-to-mediate-in-disputed-gabon-election">Continue reading...</a>GabonChadAfricaWorld newsTue, 06 Sep 2016 16:28:42 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/sep/06/chads-president-set-to-mediate-in-disputed-gabon-electionPhotograph: Pool/Getty ImagesPhotograph: Pool/Getty ImagesRuth Maclean in Dakar2016-09-06T16:28:42Z